2009 Match of the Year: Rafael Nadal vs. Fernando Verdasco

CMM · 12-16-2009, 11:26 PM

The Tennistalk panel has voted and the writers have spoken. After an almost unanimous vote, the Australian Open semifinal between Nadal and Verdasco has been named the 2009 ATP Tour Match of the Year.

It was the longest match in the history of the Australian Open.

Longer than the Muller-Lopez first-round thriller that had initially been recorded at five hours and 35 minutes. Longer than Roddick-El Aynaoui in 2003. (For history buffs) Longer than Sampras-Mayotte in 1990 and Noah-Smith in 1988. Longer—just barely—than Becker-Camporese in 1991.

After five hours and 14 minutes of inspirational tennis, Rafael Nadal outlasted fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6 (2), 6-7(1), 6-4 in an epic semifinal on Friday night, January 30.
It was not simply the longest match in tournament history. It was also, without question, one of the best.

Refusing to wilt under the Australian summer heat or amidst the pressure of a Grand Slam semifinal, both competitors—remarkably—sustained a jaw-dropping level of tennis throughout all 314 minutes of their spirited, incredibly well-played clash.

Verdasco, having never previously sniffed the final weekend of a Grand Slam, blasted 95 winners past Nadal. Has anyone ever—and I mean EVER—struck 95 shots within the lines yet beyond the reach of a player of Nadal’s defensive caliber?

Nadal, meanwhile, fired more than twice as many winners (52) as unforced errors. The tournament’s No. 1 seed committed a mere 25 mistakes over the course of the entire match. For those counting, that means Nadal made one unforced error—just one—every 12 minutes and 34 seconds. Are you serious?

Keep in mind, furthermore, that a significant percentage of the points consisted of marathon, hard-to-believe rallies. Only 33 points resulted in aces. Still, in brilliant fashion, Nadal and Verdasco combined for 46 more winners than errors.

They played 59 games and 385 points. Prior to the 385th and final point of the instant classic, it was all even: Nadal 192, Verdasco 192.

A heavy underdog against an opponent whom he had never defeated in six career attempts, Verdasco went toe to toe with Nadal until the very last second. Serving to stay alive at 4-5 in the fifth set, Verdasco saved two match points at 0-40 and 30-40, both with swinging volley winners.

"In the last game, at 0-40, I started to cry," Nadal explained afterward. "It was too much tension."

And he was right. It was too much.

At long last, on match point number three, Verdasco finally cracked. A double-fault brought an end to the gut-wrenching drama. When it ended, of course, the two players collapsed to the ground simultaneously; one in the joy of victory, one in the agony of defeat, both in physical and mental exhaustion.

"I lost after five hours, but I need to be proud for the level I played today," said a valiant Verdasco. "It was an unbelievable match. We both played unbelievable. I’m so proud. For sure I will have this match in my mind all my life."

"Today was one of those matches you're going to remember a long time," Nadal concluded.

Amen to that.

http://www.tennistalk.com/en/news/20...nando_Verdasco

bolo · 12-16-2009, 11:33 PM

Imo it was the highest quality match from this past year. I think Federer/Delpo FO was probably the 2nd best. Have to rewatch the FO match at some point.

Chadwixx · 12-17-2009, 08:20 AM

Two guys who couldnt win a single match at the yec? No thanks.

"For those counting, that means Nadal made one unforced error—just one—every 12 minutes and 34 seconds. Are you serious?"

One every four points?

CMM · 12-17-2009, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chadwixx

Two guys who couldnt win a single match at the yec? No thanks.

"For those counting, that means Nadal made one unforced error—just one—every 12 minutes and 34 seconds. Are you serious?"

One every four points?

Two guys and neither one of them is called Federer? How dare they?

Gorecki · 12-17-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chadwixx

Two guys who couldnt win a single match at the yec? No thanks.

"For those counting, that means Nadal made one unforced error—just one—every 12 minutes and 34 seconds. Are you serious?"

One every four points?

gotta agree with these points...

(but dont get used to it!)

OddJack · 12-17-2009, 08:40 AM

Yes, that's my choice for the best match of the year too. They both were on their last leg at the end but it was Verdasco who quit diggin. Double fault to give it away was not the way to finish it, but great match all the way.

TheMusicLover · 12-17-2009, 08:40 AM

Seeing where this comes from, I'd say, no surprise. Twas a very good match though, but the best? questionable. 'Longest' does not per sé equal 'best'.

cellofaan · 12-17-2009, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chadwixx

One every four points?

One every 15.4 points

Blinkism · 12-17-2009, 08:56 AM

It was a great match. High-quality and full of drama. Not to mention the fact that it was such a emotional roller coaster for the fans and that it was a pretty long 5 setter full of amazing rallies between these two lefties and great serving from both for most of the match.

Add the fact that both were fighting for their first ever Australian Open final, both are the Top 2 players from Spain, and both are quite charismatic on court (very vocal celebrators of points)- and the fact that where Nadal played amazing defense, Verdasco picked it up with amazing offense- and you get the recipe for a classic match.

My vote for best match of 2009, for sure.

TMF · 12-17-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chadwixx

Two guys who couldnt win a single match at the yec? No thanks.

"For those counting, that means Nadal made one unforced error—just one—every 12 minutes and 34 seconds. Are you serious?"

One every four points?

Haha. Some of their matches can be debated as the WORST match of the year.

CMM · 12-17-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMusicLover

Seeing where this comes from, I'd say, no surprise. Twas a very good match though, but the best? questionable.'Longest' does not per sé equal 'best'.

I totally agree. Unfortunately, the ATP people who chose the Wimbledon final as the best match of the year do not know this...

T1000 · 12-17-2009, 09:44 AM

Great match, unfortunately it had to end on another Verdasco choke. If Verdasco lost after putting the serve in play I would easily vote for it but unfortunately he had to double fault. I thought Dent-Navarro was a better match, then again I enjoy serve and volley fests more than baseline bashing for 5 hours

Dilettante · 12-17-2009, 09:52 AM

For me, that was the match of the year, no question.

TMF · 12-17-2009, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T1000

Great match, unfortunately it had to end on another Verdasco choke. If Verdasco lost after putting the serve in play I would easily vote for it but unfortunately he had to double fault. I thought Dent-Navarro was a better match, then again I enjoy serve and volley fests more than baseline bashing for 5 hours

Verdasco always had problem with the 2nd serve. As evidence once again at the WTF.

flyinghippos101 · 12-17-2009, 10:05 AM

People, that Aussie Open final was THE best match of the year. The shotmaking during that match was unbelievable

P_Agony · 12-17-2009, 10:14 AM

It was a very good match, very intense, great shotmaking from both guys, it ended with a DF which is a shame, but it was such a great effort from Verdasco and such a strong mental display from Nadal.
I liked some matches better, but this one is for sure one of the best.

mandy01 · 12-17-2009, 10:20 AM

For me,its the Wimbledon match.

kishnabe · 12-17-2009, 10:22 AM

Definetly is one of the best matches this yar, just makes me more pumped for Ausssie 2010. Since a lot of uspets happen and with matches of these caliber. (I.E Tsonga Semis 2008, Verdasco-Nadal thriller 2009, 2005 Marat and Federer semi and etc.) This one takes the cake but I would like to say that 2009 Madrid semis was just as good as this in terms of quality of play and tension!

Claudius · 12-17-2009, 11:21 AM

I don't disagree.

ericsson · 12-17-2009, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dilettante

For me, that was the match of the year, no question.

Yep for me too! a classic, had all the shots.

12-16-2009, 11:26 PM	#1
CMM Legend Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 6,340	2009 Match of the Year: Rafael Nadal vs. Fernando Verdasco The Tennistalk panel has voted and the writers have spoken. After an almost unanimous vote, the Australian Open semifinal between Nadal and Verdasco has been named the 2009 ATP Tour Match of the Year. It was the longest match in the history of the Australian Open. Longer than the Muller-Lopez first-round thriller that had initially been recorded at five hours and 35 minutes. Longer than Roddick-El Aynaoui in 2003. (For history buffs) Longer than Sampras-Mayotte in 1990 and Noah-Smith in 1988. Longer—just barely—than Becker-Camporese in 1991. After five hours and 14 minutes of inspirational tennis, Rafael Nadal outlasted fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6 (2), 6-7(1), 6-4 in an epic semifinal on Friday night, January 30. It was not simply the longest match in tournament history. It was also, without question, one of the best. Refusing to wilt under the Australian summer heat or amidst the pressure of a Grand Slam semifinal, both competitors—remarkably—sustained a jaw-dropping level of tennis throughout all 314 minutes of their spirited, incredibly well-played clash. Verdasco, having never previously sniffed the final weekend of a Grand Slam, blasted 95 winners past Nadal. Has anyone ever—and I mean EVER—struck 95 shots within the lines yet beyond the reach of a player of Nadal’s defensive caliber? Nadal, meanwhile, fired more than twice as many winners (52) as unforced errors. The tournament’s No. 1 seed committed a mere 25 mistakes over the course of the entire match. For those counting, that means Nadal made one unforced error—just one—every 12 minutes and 34 seconds. Are you serious? Keep in mind, furthermore, that a significant percentage of the points consisted of marathon, hard-to-believe rallies. Only 33 points resulted in aces. Still, in brilliant fashion, Nadal and Verdasco combined for 46 more winners than errors. They played 59 games and 385 points. Prior to the 385th and final point of the instant classic, it was all even: Nadal 192, Verdasco 192. A heavy underdog against an opponent whom he had never defeated in six career attempts, Verdasco went toe to toe with Nadal until the very last second. Serving to stay alive at 4-5 in the fifth set, Verdasco saved two match points at 0-40 and 30-40, both with swinging volley winners. "In the last game, at 0-40, I started to cry," Nadal explained afterward. "It was too much tension." And he was right. It was too much. At long last, on match point number three, Verdasco finally cracked. A double-fault brought an end to the gut-wrenching drama. When it ended, of course, the two players collapsed to the ground simultaneously; one in the joy of victory, one in the agony of defeat, both in physical and mental exhaustion. "I lost after five hours, but I need to be proud for the level I played today," said a valiant Verdasco. "It was an unbelievable match. We both played unbelievable. I’m so proud. For sure I will have this match in my mind all my life." "Today was one of those matches you're going to remember a long time," Nadal concluded. Amen to that. http://www.tennistalk.com/en/news/20...nando_Verdasco

12-17-2009, 08:40 AM	#7
TheMusicLover Hall Of Fame Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: MTF's #1 Tard Wars Refugee Posts: 3,069	Seeing where this comes from, I'd say, no surprise. Twas a very good match though, but the best? questionable. 'Longest' does not per sé equal 'best'. __________________ Theremin Killed The Radio Star - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-3lU3bgOgE

12-17-2009, 08:56 AM	#9
Blinkism Legend Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 8,504	It was a great match. High-quality and full of drama. Not to mention the fact that it was such a emotional roller coaster for the fans and that it was a pretty long 5 setter full of amazing rallies between these two lefties and great serving from both for most of the match. Add the fact that both were fighting for their first ever Australian Open final, both are the Top 2 players from Spain, and both are quite charismatic on court (very vocal celebrators of points)- and the fact that where Nadal played amazing defense, Verdasco picked it up with amazing offense- and you get the recipe for a classic match. My vote for best match of 2009, for sure. Last edited by Blinkism : 12-17-2009 at 08:59 AM.

12-17-2009, 09:44 AM	#12
T1000 Hall Of Fame Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 4,013	Great match, unfortunately it had to end on another Verdasco choke. If Verdasco lost after putting the serve in play I would easily vote for it but unfortunately he had to double fault. I thought Dent-Navarro was a better match, then again I enjoy serve and volley fests more than baseline bashing for 5 hours __________________ Head Youtek Prestige Pro 4g @12, 6g @ 3&9, 16g @ buttcap Genesis Spin X 17g or Typhoon 16L 70#

12-17-2009, 09:52 AM	#13
Dilettante Hall Of Fame Join Date: May 2005 Location: Valencia, Spain, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe, Katy Perry's belly button. Posts: 2,068	For me, that was the match of the year, no question. __________________ "Please change your avatar to a more decent pic of Nadal (I'm asking nicely)" - Monfed